La Rochelle

One hour’s drive away from Les Lavandes, La Rochelle is an excellent place to visit , either for a day, an afternoon or just an evening at any time of the year.

There is a  car-park at the foot of the Lantern Tower, also called ‘the four Sergeants Tower’ which is a good departure point for all walks in the city.

The Old Harbour and the Old districts

Several hundred metres after leaving the car, you will arrive in the Old Harbour area and there you will suddenly find the lively atmosphere of La Rochelle.

Several possibilities are open to you.

If you are interested in the old district, you can follow the quay up to the Big Clock Gate, Porte de la Grosse Horloge, which was the entrance to the city from the harbour side, and pass the gate to walk in the picturesque streets lined with arches, la Rue du Palais, la Rue du Minage, la Grande Rue des Merciers,…

Lunch or dinner time

If it is lunch or dinner time, plenty of choice between the numerous restaurants located under the old arches and with large terraces which descend to the promenade of the Quay Duperré.

These heated terraces are very welcome during the sunny winter days or in the spring.

From the Old Harbour to the Sailing harbour "Les Minimes"

One has only to walk alongside the Old Harbour to arrive at the foot of the Saint Nicholas Tower, and then follow the pier which leads towards the sailing harbour of "Les Minimes".

As you walk along, you begin to understand the importance of yachting for La Rochelle.

On the right-hand side, thousands of masts as far as the eye can see and on the left, the numerous shipyards and the businesses connected with the boats and their equipment.

After this hour of walking, you can choose to return to the Old Harbour by either of two different routes.

You can take the ‘Sea Bus’ directly from the harbour of ‘Les Minimes’, which will return you to the quay Duperré.

In winter, this bus runs only during the weekends.